How the Candidates Fared in Yesterday's GOP Debate

The news station says that Trump “gave his best performance of the campaign.” Trump commented about Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s Canadian birthplace, saying that his eligibility to run for president could be challenged.

His comments about 9/11 also earned praise from the audience.

"When the World Trade Center came down, I saw something that no place on Earth could have handled more beautifully, more humanely than New York," Trump said.

In return, Cruz made a good showing Thursday night, arguing with Trump.

“He pointed out that he, a lawyer who's argued constitutional cases before the Supreme Court, would not be taking any legal advice from Trump, who has no legal training,” Jeremy Diamond wrote in a column for CNN.

Christie was named a winner by CNN for a strong debate performance and going toe-to-toe with Florida senator Marco Rubio.

"You already had your chance, Marco. You blew it," Christie said to Rubio at one point during the debate.

Debate losers were named Ben Carson, who “looks like he’s still trying to figure out his place at the table,” and John Kasich.

CNN’s “Meh” performance was awarded to Rubio and Jeb Bush, who didn’t stand out against the back-and-forth between Trump and Cruz.